Metrodome ring beam to be demolished Sunday

MINNEAPOLIS - The last remaining concrete ring beam at the Metrodome is scheduled to be demolished Sunday.

The beam will be demolished with controlled explosive charges, similar to the technology used to severe the Metrodome's roof cables.

The demolition plan was revised after a section of the ring beam came down out of sequence Monday. Officials decided the safest way to bring down the remaining portion of the ring beam is with controlled explosive charges.

The ring beam is part of the building's roof structure.

Demolition is set for 7:30 a.m. Neighbors should be aware that there will be vibration, dust and noise.

A number of nearby roads will be closed to form a safety perimeter, starting at 5:30 a.m. The Downtown East LRT station also will be closed during that time.